Homage to Poussin is based on the legend of the Knights Templar and the mystery of Rennes-le-Château in France. The work is inscribed: Finestat Spain, Et in Arcadia ego, I Tego Arcana Dei, Dagobert II Tete Orsus, Ormus. The French artist Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665), a member of the Priory of Sion was rumoured to have painted several artworks with hidden clues as to where the Order's secrets were hidden. Coetzee's painting of a skull, the moon and obscure inscriptions seems to be a parody on secret messages supposedly found in the Poussin paintings.